Luna Petagine, 4, from Oxhey Hall to start treatment at The Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas for ependymoma brain tumour

The Petagine family from Oxhey Hall have been provided with a “glimmer of hope” following a successful trip to America.

Luna Petagine, four, has an ependymoma brain tumour.

Following countless operations, Luna’s family were told by UK doctors there was nothing further they could do to save her life.

But the promise of pioneering treatment at The Burzynski Clinic in Houston, Texas, could prove the answer to their prayers.

Costing £20,000 for preliminary tests, which will establish whether Luna is suitable for treatment, further care will cost an additional £50,000.

Determined to save their daughter, the family launched a campaign to raise the cash.

And since the Watford Observer lent its support to the cause, the news desk has been flooded with donations and fundraising ideas for the little girl.

After reaching their initial target of £100,000, Luna, along with parents Mario and Lucy, were able to fly to America to discuss treatment options open to Luna.

The trip has proven successful, and in three weeks Luna is set to start treatment in the United States (U.S).

Mr and Mrs Petagine are currently making arrangements to return to The Burzynski Clinic Houston in Houston, Texas.

Following their return from the U.S two weeks ago they have been having some private “family” time to allow them to make some decisions about the intensity of Luna's treatment and living
arrangements, as well as schooling for the couple's two other children Aldo, six and Enza, two.

Mrs Petagine said: "We shall be returning to Houston in the next two to three weeks to start the treatment.

"We are waiting FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval and a date for Luna to undergo surgery to give her access lines for her treatment.

"We are also trying to arrange an MRI and a local team to care for Luna on our return to the UK.

"We still need to raise funds so Luna can continue her treatment for as long as she needs it.

“We hope this will only be two years, but cannot be certain at this stage.

“We would again like to thank everyone for their kind words and generous support and hope this continues with us on this journey."

Although the Luna Appeal did hit its initial target of £100,000 thanks to a massive campaign, fundraising is set to continue to pay for further treatment.

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